In a world that’s constantly evolving, the need for a modern workplace is more important than ever. Microsoft Teams is at the forefront of this transformation, offering a comprehensive platform for effective communication and seamless collaboration. Connecting teams beyond physical boundaries is crucial in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Microsoft Teams equips businesses and individuals with powerful tools to bridge communication gaps.

2024 Updates in Microsoft Teams

The latest updates in Microsoft Teams are designed to empower users with innovative features and tools that enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and improve team experiences. How do these advancements foster a more productive and collaborative environment? Join us as we explore the new features of Microsoft Teams in 2024 and uncover the potential of these exciting developments.

Classic Teams vs. New Teams

Classic Teams refers to the original version of the Microsoft Teams application used for work or educational purposes. The new Teams has been redesigned to prioritize speed and performance, offering users a more efficient, user-friendly, and flexible experience. Enhancements include quicker application launch times, and faster meeting join times, allowing users to focus more on their tasks.

Access to the new Microsoft Teams is included in current Microsoft 365 and Office 365 subscriptions with a Microsoft Teams license, ensuring that previous licensing investments remain valid. The new Teams retains familiar features while introducing new functionalities, making it easily accessible and focused on exclusive updates and capabilities.

Moving to the New Microsoft Teams

To upgrade from the classic version to the new Microsoft Teams, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Teams desktop app on your Windows device.
  2. Toggle “Try the new Teams” at the top left of the Teams window.
  3. Select “Get it now” from the pop-up dialogue. The new Teams will start installing.
  4. Your Teams app will reboot to open the new Teams.

Experience improved performance and flexibility with faster app switching, chat responses, and meeting/call join times, all while maintaining a familiar layout with optimized battery and memory usage.

New Features in Microsoft Teams 2024

Enhanced Personalized Meeting Experience

Understanding the value of personal expression in digital spaces, these updates allow users to tailor their online presence and interactions during Teams meetings. New features like custom Teams Backgrounds and Avatars help create a distinctive and engaging meeting atmosphere, fostering a stronger sense of connection and community.

  • Virtual Backgrounds: Enhance video meetings with virtual backgrounds or blur your surroundings for privacy.
  • Branded Backgrounds: Display your company’s logo or a specific image as your background with Teams Premium.
  • Persistent Settings: Your chosen background remains for all meetings and calls until changed.
  • AI-Generated Decorate Effect: Personalize your background with five unique options.

Avatars in Microsoft Teams Meetings

Stay engaged and maintain your presence during meetings, even when off-camera, using avatars in Teams. Customize your avatar to represent yourself and turn off your camera in a meeting. Select More options > Effects and avatars to choose or create your avatar.

AI-Powered Voice Isolation

Ambient sounds in noisy environments like airports or crowded offices can interfere with Teams calls and meetings. Voice isolation uses advanced AI noise suppression technology to filter out background noise, ensuring your communication remains clear and free from distractions.

To enable Voice Isolation:

  1. Open Teams Settings: Click on your profile picture and select “Settings“.
  2. Navigate to Devices: In the left sidebar, choose “Devices“.
  3. Enable Noise Suppression: This toggle is enabled by default for all Teams users.

Celebrate Team Achievements with Together Emojis

Together, Emojis make interactions more engaging by allowing icons to interact with each other. For example, sending a high-five emoji triggers an animation in which the emojis come together for a virtual high-five, adding a fun and dynamic element to your chats.

Introducing Copilot in Microsoft Teams Meetings

Copilot enhances productivity in Microsoft Teams meetings by acting as a personal assistant. To activate Copilot, ensure the meeting is being transcribed. Copilot can summarize meetings, provide prompts for enhancing discussions, and help wrap up meetings by highlighting key points and next steps.

Using Copilot During and After Meetings

  • During Meetings: Use prompts like “Where do we disagree?” or “What questions can move the meeting forward?” to enhance effectiveness.
  • After Meetings: Access Copilot in the Recap tab for summaries and action items. Teams Premium users can utilize intelligent recap features for a more detailed overview.

Ready to Boost Productivity with Microsoft Teams?

Experience the new features of Microsoft Teams in 2024. With enhanced performance, personalized meeting interactions, and cutting-edge tools like AI-powered noise suppression and Copilot, Teams is revolutionizing workplace communication and connectivity. Embrace the new Teams experience today to unlock the full potential of these dynamic updates.

Partner with TECHOM Systems, your go-to Modern Work Solutions Partner, to elevate your productivity journey with Microsoft Teams.

Contact us for more information and start your modern work transformation journey today.